Home Repair - Champion generator hard to start after natural gas conversion

[@btechnol]

See how I make this generator purr like a kitten: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHfCl417qpiZfM0

[@btechnol]

If you'd like to see additional improvements to this generator, check out the followup video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHfCl417qpiZfM0

[@RonenLin]

How did you install this hand choke? I have the same issue with my conversion but seems like this hand choke mod works every single time for you.

[@btechnol]

Thanks for watching! The hand choke is using my hand to cover the air inlet while running the starter. This creates a strong vacuum to pull gas into the system. When I hear the first sign of ignition, I remove my hand to allow air into the system. It takes a bit of practice, but is extremely effective.

[@markymark8665]

I have the same generator and a similar NG kit that I haven’t installed yet. There’s another guy on here that did a shortcut video where he just pulled the propane hose off the carb and attached the NG hose from the conversion kit. That eliminates the need to install the flange on the carb and cut & modify the frame to make it fit. Of course you’d have to swap the hose back to run propane but it would only take a minute and far preferable to cutting and welding the frame. TBH I’m kicking myself for not buying a tri-fuel in the first place.

[@btechnol]

Yeah, I had the same thought! Would have definitely done it differently another time around. I do like having the propane attached though as a backup for if the NG is shutoff. I was also able to fine tune it using the NG regulator, which I also like but a whole lot of work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHfCl417qpiZfM0si=Sb-6LuWbiVzEyTGK

[@markymark8665]

@@btechnol I tried briefly to attach the NG hose directly to the propane connection that’s already there to see if it would run without the conversion kit. Got it to run briefly, the battery was dead and I got tired of pulling the rope. May have to experiment further with a charged battery.

[@btechnol]

@markymark8665 lmk what you find!

[@stevekelly7488]

Would a partly open valve reduce the inlet pressure on the demand regulator enough to allow a weaker vacuum to open the regulator?

[@btechnol]

It might, but my pressure was already on the low side. I did back the spring retainer out to reduce the force on the regulator to accomplish something similar. Champion generator tuning to perfection after natural gas conversion - Home Repair kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHfCl417qpiZfM0

[@hiddenman99]

did you ever verify you NG pressure? Also I read that each 90* fitting will hinder volume and flow.

[@btechnol]

Great ideas! I finally got around to it and made a follow up video: Champion generator tuning to perfection after natural gas conversion - Home Repair kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHfCl417qpiZfM0

[@tempusveritas8901]

Nice Job!! I needed an NGK plug on my Dual fuel Champ. It wouldn't even fire up on the propane. NGK was recommended by customer service. It worked. It might be in your Manual.

[@btechnol]

Great tip! I’ll give my plug a check and try out the ngk!

[@paultice610]

How far is your run from your gas meter? If it’s really long you need a larger diameter pipe to give it enough flow.

[@btechnol]

Excellent point! I have been curious what the effect would be of running the larger diameter pipe. Once started, the generator runs under full load without issue, so I haven’t felt motivated to run new pipe yet. It is sitting about 25ft from the meter.

[@stevekelly7488]

I guess my real question is the inlet pressure on demand regulator too high?

[@btechnol]

I finally looked into this and made a follow up video: Champion generator tuning to perfection after natural gas conversion - Home Repair kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHfCl417qpiZfM0

[@Honestandtruth007]

WOW 😲😳😱 Man........ You are still use an Old style Conversion kit ❓❓❓ only if you are on a Budget

[@btechnol]

Haha! Yup, and I think that could be the title of many of my projects "Old style and on a budget"

[@Honestandtruth007]

@@btechnol Haaaahaaaa 😅👍❤️ You are Funny 🤣

[@Lexaire]

What is the new conversion kit?

[@tommartin5217]

What conversion do you recommend?

[@JCS1964-i7w]

What is the new one?

[@Luis-2124]

You have a bad mixture of air and natural gas, you have to adjust the adjustment screw for it to work correctly, if you do not correct the problem you will damage the cylinder head and you will not have power in the generator, The adjustment screw is the one next to the black hose that goes to the venury ,Bronce color

[@btechnol]

Correct! Check out my follow up tuning video: Champion generator tuning to perfection after natural gas conversion - Home Repair kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHfCl417qpiZfM0

[@Luis-2124]

@@btechnol exelent Where did you get the oxygen sensor and oxygen viewer kit?

[@btechnol]

www.autometer.com/2-5-8-analog-wideband-fse-sport-comp.html Pretty expensive for this purpose, but I already had it for an automotive project so I thought I’d get some extra use out of it

[@jorgeheny3867]

Try connecting NG Line to the Carb Fuel (gasoline) inlet

[@btechnol]

Cool idea! I’ll give it a go!

[@laxtimercom]

I put NG into the propane line and it starts well, runs at full power. I no longer have the ability to run on propane but NG is my permanent choice so that is not a problem for me (and I can just reverse the line connections back to propane in any case). I also have a Champion duel fuel generator, mine is 8000 watts. I was a little concerned at first that I would not get full power, but I've tested up to 6000 watts with no problems. (I don't plan on running above 6000 watts in any scenario).

[@btechnol]

I never did try this, but I got it figured out and made a follow up video: Champion generator tuning to perfection after natural gas conversion - Home Repair kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHfCl417qpiZfM0

[@johna5484]

Not enough gas volume to start .

[@btechnol]

Yup, made a new video here: Champion generator tuning to perfection after natural gas conversion - Home Repair kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHfCl417qpiZfM0

[@stsid1]

You would have figured the natural gas adapter would have been before the carb, not after it.

[@btechnol]

I figured Century put it there so it could be throttled, but I’m not sure there is a throttle, need to check

[@kevinr5187]

Zip ties are your friend!

[@btechnol]

As long as they don’t go to battle with there nemesis, ultraviolet

[@kevinr5187]

@@btechnol then you use the stainless steel one from Harbor Freight. They last for ever!

[@btechnol]

@kevinr5187 agreed!

[@garciacuster1627]

Nice

[@btechnol]

Thank you!

[@chetmyers7041]

I'm a first responder and have treated patients poisoned by carbon monoxide produced by generators. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE relocate this generator to an open environment, or a shed detached from your residence.

[@btechnol]

Thank you for the thoughtful post! It made me so happy to read your concern. I may make a follow up video to address the incredibly important point of CO. What can’t be seen in the video is the large open garage door next to the generator. Additionally the exhaust is sealed so well that the CO sniffer can’t detect CO even directly next to the generator after hours of running. There are 2 additional CO detectors next to the generator and CO detectors in every room in the house. These detectors register when I turn the gas stove on but can’t detect any CO from the generator. Redundancy is key. Thank you again for your message and caring!